Category Archives: Video Games

ZAG Games and Toya launch first Miraculous game to Roblox platform

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ZAG Games, the games division of the independent animation studio ZAG, has partnered with the Israel-based start-up Toya to create its first game for the Roblox platform for the popular franchise, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

Scheduled for release this April, the new Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir adventure quest game will be the first to bring a TV series to the Roblox metaverse – an online experience in which fans interact in 3D simulated virtual environments.

Fans can expect to meet new characters, enter new environments, and engage with new villains, together with a wealth of surprises. ZAG and Toya are planning to engage with fans through an inclusive global game development process that integrates their feedback on ideas and concepts design work before the game is officially released to the public.

Elinor Schops, the ZAG’s newly installed VP of ZAG Games and Interactive Experiences, said: “Miraculous Ladybug is a relatable heroine who sets up a positive, strong and rocking persona – with the ability to transform, figuratively and literally, the world she is living in.

“We believe that the Metaverse that Roblox has built is the ideal place to launch a game that celebrates girl empowerment and exploration, and we want to hand over to these girls (and boys of course) the power to advise how to play the game.

“In every sense, we plan for the game to be led by the community in order to make this into a community game – this is where fans will meet, and role play, in the Miraculous universe.

“Our partner Toya, with its female-led agenda, helps to transform the gaming experience for girls around the world, and we couldn’t have hoped for a better match of agendas and ideas.”

Anat Shperling, CEO and co-founder of Toya, added: “Toya is proud to work with ZAG to develop Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir’s first Roblox gaming experience.

“We are passionate about Roblox being a flexible and inclusive space that allows freedom of expression for adolescents’ inner worlds. We can’t wait to usher the beloved protagonists of the series, Ladybug and Cat Noir, into the Roblox realm, with an inspiring journey that invites global fans into a shared experience in the rich personal space of these admired characters.

“Core to Toya’s mission is developing inclusive gaming experiences that enable girls and boys to express themselves freely in a safe environment. We plan to design a journey that encourages players towards greater freedom of self-expression, and teaches them empowering skills for the outside world, such as time management, and decision-making.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring this experience to life in partnership with the ZAG gaming team, and with the support of the tremendous global community of Miraculous™ fans and followers.”

ZAG’s first “official” global mobile game for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir was released in April 2018 and ranked as the number one game in 39 countries with 130 million downloads to date.

The launch of the Roblox game coincides with the debut of ZAG’s second big-budget animated movie, Miraculous World – Shanghai – Lady Dragon. The first of the two TV movies,  Miraculous World: New York: United Heroez, scored top ratings on its premiere in 2020.

Fans are also awaiting the launch of the theatrical feature, Ladybug & Cat Noir: Awakening(US$100M+ budget), which is planned for release worldwide in fall 2021 or at the beginning of 2022, alongside seasons four and five of the series, which are also currently in production.

Expanding the brand’s digital presence, Miraculous is now on TikTok, as well as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. During 2020, Miraculous grew its digital reach by 178 per cent. It currently attracts over 15 million subscribers across its nine official YouTube channels, available in eight languages.

Epic Games and IMG bring global football clubs to its hit gaming IP Fortnite

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Epic Games is celebrating global football this week by bringing more than 20 top clubs from around the world into its hit gaming IP, Fortnite, via a series of partnerships facilitated by IMG, Fortnite’s licensing representative.

Starting 23 January, players can choose from 10 different variants of new “Kickoff Set” Outfits to represent their favorite club in-game. Each Outfit can be swapped to any of the 23 football clubs participating, including teams from A-League, Bundesliga, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, J1 League, La Liga, MLS, Premier League, Primeira Liga, Scottish Premiership and Serie A.

Fortnite players can visit the Creative Hub for an immersive football experience throughout the week, and join select clubs around the world in hosted Fortnite tournaments. Additionally, players will be able to earn or purchase two new football-themed emotes to show off their favorite moves.

“Football is consistently one of the top sports that our players tell us they want to see and experience in Fortnite,” said Nate Nanzer, head of global partnerships at Epic Games. “We’re excited to partner with IMG to bring the sport to Fortnite fans around the world as they face off in competitive tournaments, experience new creative modes of gameplay, and celebrate global football.”

Matthew Primack, SVP of licensing at IMG, added: “We’ve had a lot of fun working with our partners at Epic Games and football clubs from around the world to help bring this unique in-game experience to life.

“This is a truly international collaboration, tapping into clubs from almost every continent and offering fans the opportunity to express their passion for the beautiful game and their favourite team through the trailblazing world of Fortnite.”

The 23 participating football clubs are: AC Milan, A.S. Roma FC, Atlanta United FC, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Celtic FC, Cerezo Osaka, Esporte Clube Bahia, FC Schalke 04, Inter Milan, Juventus FC, Los Angeles FC, Manchester City FC, Melbourne FC, Rangers FC, Santos FC, Seattle Sounders FC, Sevilla FC, Sporting CP, Sydney FC, West Ham United FC, VfL Wolfsburg FC, Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

Star Wars and Disney reveal new brand identity for all official videogames, Lucasfilm Games

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Lucasfilm, Star Wars, and Disney have revealed a new brand identity for the home of all officially licensed Star Wars video games, a legacy that now crosses the decades, with the unveiling of Lucasfilm Games. The new unit isn’t a publisher or development studio, but will be acting as a unifying brand name and licensor.

It has been widely speculated that the move arrives in preparation for 2023, when the current Star Wars video game contract with EA comes to the end of its ten years. It’s expected that Disney will then begin licensing out the Star Wars brand to various publishers and developers under the Lucasfilm Games title.

Marking the ‘new era’, Lucasfilm Games has now launched social channels across Twitter and Facebook that will act as a means of delivering news directly to fans.

“[Luscasfilm is] a name that encompasses the company’s rich catalog of video games and its eye toward the future,” read an announcement released via StarWars.com

“Lucasfilm’s legacy in gaming stretches back decades. And with Lucasfilm and the galaxy far, far away entering a new and unprecedented phase of creativity, so will the world of Lucasfilm Games — developed in collaboration with the finest studios across the industry.”

Blizzard Entertainment taps Erve Europe for Overwatch and World of Warcraft roll-out

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Blizzard Entertainment has partnered with Erve Europe to bring its two giant gaming franchises, Overwatch and World of Warcraft to its gaming portfolio. Under the new deal, Erve will serve the European market with an onslaught of Overwatch and World of Warcraft products, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, pyjamas, shorts, socks, hoodies, and more.

Since its launch over 25 years ago, World of Warcraft has proven itself to be a gaming phenomenon, boasting as dedicated fanbase that has helped fuel the success of its five game series, theatrical release, and licensing programme that continues to grow.

Meanwhile, Overwatch has been a fan-favoured franchised since its 2016 debut. The team-based first-person shooter has its own esports league, and its sequel, Overwatch 2, is expected to be one of the biggest upcoming games to date.

“We couldn’t be happier with these two games in our portfolio,” said Tom Fabes, Erve Europe’s gaming license manager. “As I am a fan myself, I know how dedicated the players are to these games. I know people who have been playing World of Warcraft for ten years or more.

“We know our customers are open for these two games, whilst we always keep the target audience in mind. Together with Blizzard, we have set some targets and things are looking promising! Knowing what’s coming up with both games, we are very confident that this is a huge deal for us.”

Activision Blizzard’s vice president of international consumer products, Phillippe Bost, added: “Erve has a great understanding of our DNA and Blizzard fans’ expectation. We are so proud to work with Erve to bring the magic of Blizzard to our community in Europe.”

The first collections will launch in Spring Summer 2021.

Blizzard Entertainment taps Erve Europe for Overwatch and World of Warcraft roll-out

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Blizzard Entertainment has partnered with Erve Europe to bring its two giant gaming franchises, Overwatch and World of Warcraft to its gaming portfolio. Under the new deal, Erve will serve the European market with an onslaught of Overwatch and World of Warcraft products, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, pyjamas, shorts, socks, hoodies, and more.

Since its launch over 25 years ago, World of Warcraft has proven itself to be a gaming phenomenon, boasting as dedicated fanbase that has helped fuel the success of its five game series, theatrical release, and licensing programme that continues to grow.

Meanwhile, Overwatch has been a fan-favoured franchised since its 2016 debut. The team-based first-person shooter has its own esports league, and its sequel, Overwatch 2, is expected to be one of the biggest upcoming games to date.

“We couldn’t be happier with these two games in our portfolio,” said Tom Fabes, Erve Europe’s gaming license manager. “As I am a fan myself, I know how dedicated the players are to these games. I know people who have been playing World of Warcraft for ten years or more.

“We know our customers are open for these two games, whilst we always keep the target audience in mind. Together with Blizzard, we have set some targets and things are looking promising! Knowing what’s coming up with both games, we are very confident that this is a huge deal for us.”

Activision Blizzard’s vice president of international consumer products, Phillippe Bost, added: “Erve has a great understanding of our DNA and Blizzard fans’ expectation. We are so proud to work with Erve to bring the magic of Blizzard to our community in Europe.”

The first collections will launch in Spring Summer 2021.

UK video game retailer GAME launches limited edition fragrances Eau De Plumber and FPS

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The UK’s largest high street retailer of video games, GAME, has moved in on the fragrances market with the special launch of a limited edition line of luxury perfume: Eau De Plumber and FPS (First Person Scent).

The two unisex fragrances will be available exclusively at GAME.co.uk in time for Christmas and are tipped by the retailer to become collector’s items in the near future. Both fragrances have been expertly curated by some of the UK’s leading perfumers.

The first fragrance, Eau De Plumber has been painstakingly blended with deep, toadstooly undertones, with high tones of peach and daisy, while FPS, the grenade-shaped scent can be described as ‘best appreciated from thirty feet away’ and ‘slightly gunpowdery’ and is a celebration of the nation’s love of popular first person shooter games.

Both scents are extremely limited and priced at £19.99 for a 200ml bottle.

Nick Arran, head of commercial at GAME, said: “Everyone loves to receive perfume at this time of year so we wanted to capture the essence of gaming and Christmas all in one bottle – two presents in one if you like. We would urge people to buy soon though as these are very limited and will soon become collector’s items.”

BlackMilk Clothing readies to launch Cyberpunk 2077 capsule collection as game lands this month

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BlackMilk Clothing is marking the release of what has been tipped to be the video game of the decade, with the launch of its own Cyberpunk 2077 capsule collection.

The launch of the Night-City-inspired clothing range will take place in tandem with the game’s release on December 11th. The eight piece capsule collection features skin-hugging leggings, dresses and long sleeve crops sporting cyberware-inspired designs, as well as a feminine take on V’s signature Samurai Jacket.

The range has been developed under license by and in partnership with Cyberpunk 2077’s developers, CD Projekt Red. The selection will be available at www.blackmilkclothing.com from 7am AEST on December 11th.

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure story set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification. Players take on the role of V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.

BlackMilk Clothing readies to launch Cyberpunk 2077 capsule collection as game lands this month

Posted on by

BlackMilk Clothing is marking the release of what has been tipped to be the video game of the decade, with the launch of its own Cyberpunk 2077 capsule collection.

The launch of the Night-City-inspired clothing range will take place in tandem with the game’s release on December 11th. The eight piece capsule collection features skin-hugging leggings, dresses and long sleeve crops sporting cyberware-inspired designs, as well as a feminine take on V’s signature Samurai Jacket.

The range has been developed under license by and in partnership with Cyberpunk 2077’s developers, CD Projekt Red. The selection will be available at www.blackmilkclothing.com from 7am AEST on December 11th.

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure story set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification. Players take on the role of V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.

Merchantwise Licensing lines up Xbox merchandise partnership with Australian retailer EB Games

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The Australian and New Zealand licensing agent, Merchantwise Licensing, has brokered a new partnership between Microsoft’s Xbox and the Australian retailer, EB Games that will see the in-store launch of a new collection of Xbox branded merchandise.

Under the new partnership, all EB Games stores across Australia will feature an endcap showcasing several Xbox licensed products, including branded unisex apparel and accessories such as wallets, caps, travel mugs, drink bottles, socks and beach towels. The deal was formed in celebration of the global launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles.

Launching in time for festive gift-giving, the program also includes digital in-store POS, digital marketing and social posts.

“Xbox continues to be a strong and consistent performer for EB Games – and now more than ever, following the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, fans can’t get enough of the brand,” said Kerryn McCormack, general manager at Merchantwise Licensing.

“EB Games has designed and launched an exciting and extensive range of licensed products that are sure to satisfy Australian fans wanting to further connect and engage with their much-loved brand. We are certain it will be a retail success – especially ahead of the festive gift-giving period.”

Merchantwise Licensing lines up Xbox merchandise partnership with Australian retailer EB Games

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The Australian and New Zealand licensing agent, Merchantwise Licensing, has brokered a new partnership between Microsoft’s Xbox and the Australian retailer, EB Games that will see the in-store launch of a new collection of Xbox branded merchandise.

Under the new partnership, all EB Games stores across Australia will feature an endcap showcasing several Xbox licensed products, including branded unisex apparel and accessories such as wallets, caps, travel mugs, drink bottles, socks and beach towels. The deal was formed in celebration of the global launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles.

Launching in time for festive gift-giving, the program also includes digital in-store POS, digital marketing and social posts.

“Xbox continues to be a strong and consistent performer for EB Games – and now more than ever, following the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, fans can’t get enough of the brand,” said Kerryn McCormack, general manager at Merchantwise Licensing.

“EB Games has designed and launched an exciting and extensive range of licensed products that are sure to satisfy Australian fans wanting to further connect and engage with their much-loved brand. We are certain it will be a retail success – especially ahead of the festive gift-giving period.”